to be picked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be picked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of being chosen or selected for something, such as a team, a role, or an opportunity. Example: "I hope to be picked for the school play this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You don't want to be picked.

The New York Times

Warner is a certainty to be picked.

The Guardian - Sport

To be picked is an absolute honour".

The Guardian - Sport

''So, Gill asks to be picked up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sometimes, there is no check to be picked up.

Harvard University

The BBD is supposed to be picked tightly when the vibration frequency is high, and the BBD has better to be picked more tightly in zero gravity environments.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Competition to be picked as a hostess can be fierce.

Independent

Waiting to be picked, like something off a shelf.

Independent

By Halloween, the Satsumas are ready to be picked.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We've got million of apples about to be picked".

The New York Times

There are many pieces to be picked up here.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be picked", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the picking. Passive voice requires a clear understanding of the actor, even if unstated.

Common error

Avoid using "to be picked" in sentences where it's unclear who or what is doing the selecting. Vague phrasing can confuse readers. Ensure that the picker or selector is clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be picked" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating the potential or necessity of being selected. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from sports team selection to harvesting crops. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be picked" is a versatile phrase functioning as a passive infinitive, widely used to denote the state of being chosen or selected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. While generally neutral, its formality can be adjusted by choosing synonyms like "to be selected" for more formal settings. When using "to be picked", ensure clarity regarding who or what is performing the selection to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be selected

Focuses on the act of choosing from a group, similar to being picked.

to be chosen

Emphasizes the act of making a decision to favor one option over others.

to be designated

Implies a more formal or official selection process.

to be appointed

Suggests being formally assigned to a role or position.

to be harvested

Used when referring to crops or resources being gathered when ready.

to be gathered

Implies collecting or assembling something, often crops or information.

to be taken

Focuses on something or someone being secured or acquired.

to be taken up

Suggests that something is being raised, accepted, or pursued.

to be favored

Highlights being preferred or liked over other options.

to be singled out

Focuses on being distinctly chosen from a larger group.

FAQs

What does "to be picked" mean?

The phrase "to be picked" refers to the act of being chosen or selected, whether for a team, a role, or even a literal object like fruit that is ready "to be harvested".

How can I use "to be picked" in a sentence?

You can use "to be picked" to describe the state of being selected. For example: "The apples are ready "to be picked"" or "I hope "to be selected" for the team this year."

What's a good alternative to "to be picked"?

Alternatives to "to be picked" include "to be chosen", "to be selected", or "to be harvested" depending on the context.

Is "to be picked" formal or informal?

"To be picked" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from using alternatives like "to be selected" or "to be designated".